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Disclaimer: The accuracy and completeness of the information contained in the maps and illustrations on this website cannot be guaranteed; such information does not constitute any obligation on the part of the Swiss Confederation.

A selection of websites explaining how Switzerland is structured and how it functions, providing you with the information you will need to form an opinion and exercise your political rights from overseas

The FDFA awards mandates to individuals or organisations with specialist expertise for the implementation of specific projects or activities. Mandates and individual institutional consulting mandates are put out for public tender in accordance with the legal requirements

Information on the role of the merchant fleet that the FDFA oversees through the Swiss Maritime Navigation Office, in Basel; registration authority for sea-going yachts and small craft that are used on rivers outside the country and in coastal waters

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Azerbaijan

Switzerland and Azerbaijan enjoy good political and economic relations based on a broad range of common interests. Cooperation in international financial institutions, development cooperation and energy policy are key aspects of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Key aspects of diplomatic relations

Azerbaijan belongs to the voting constituencies chaired by Switzerland in the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Switzerland attaches great importance to promoting good governance and the rule of law in Azerbaijan. It also engages in technical and economic cooperation with the country.

Economic cooperation

Azerbaijan is Switzerland's main trading partner in the South Caucasus. Switzerland mainly exports jewellery products (precious stones, precious metals), watches, machinery and pharmaceutical products to Azerbaijan. Several Swiss companies have operations in Azerbaijan. According to recent statistics, Swiss direct investments amounting to USD 370 million have flowed into the country over the past ten years. Switzerland is the largest investor in the non-oil sectors of Azerbaijan's economy. It supports the country's efforts to reduce its dependence on commodity trading and diversify its economy. The largest foreign direct investment in a non-oil sector of Azerbaijan's economy in the last ten years was made by a Swiss company. Another Swiss company is involved in the construction of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), which is expected to transport Azerbaijani natural gas to Italy via Georgia, Turkey, Greece and Albania by 2020.

The Azerbaijani state-owned energy company SOCAR has operations in Switzerland. On 1 July 2012, SOCAR Energy took over ESSO Switzerland's network of 172 petrol stations, which it operates under the SOCAR brand. SOCAR Trading, the international marketing and development arm of SOCAR, is headquartered in Geneva.

Peacebuilding and human security

As part of the Swiss Cooperation Strategy South Caucasus 2017–2020, Switzerland promotes peaceful solutions to regional conflicts and selectively supports activities carried out by civil society organisations.

Development cooperation

In Azerbaijan, Switzerland promotes:

a more favourable business environment, including a better investment climate

a modern, transparent financial sector

better public services and governance

the economic empowerment of women

local art and culture

The Swiss Cooperation Strategy South Caucasus 2017–2020 (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia) focuses on economic development, peacebuilding, democracy, the rule of law and human rights. The total budget for the strategy covering the three countries amounts to approximately CHF 75 million.

Cultural exchanges

The Swiss embassy supports and participates in various projects and events to promote Switzerland and Swiss culture, including film festivals, the 'Francophonie week' and the 'Settimana della lingua italiana'.

Swiss citizens in Azerbaijan

According to statistics on the Swiss abroad, there were 24 Swiss citizens living in Azerbaijan at the end of 2017.

History of bilateral relations

Switzerland recognised Azerbaijan as an independent state on 23 December 1991. In October 2005, Azerbaijan opened an embassy in Bern. Switzerland opened a cooperation office in Baku in 2001 and an embassy in late 2007, which was officially inaugurated in May 2008.

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